Scotland 7, 8 and 9: Night Out and Glasgow

As our trip came to a close we all I started to get a little exhausted.  As much as I loved seeing different parts of Scotland and Ireland I was ready for a few days of R&R.  So that is what I did.  I hardly left the flat we were staying in.  It felt so nice to just be lazy, not get out of my PJs and catch up on social media and trashy television.

Our one plan we had for the rest of the trip was to go out for a night of drinks and karaoke in Glasgow as a last hoorah and somewhat of a bachelorette (hen party they call it over there), even though Barry's fiance was there.  We rented a booth for just the six of us for two hours to sing at the top of our lungs, out of tune (at least for the Brantleys) and delicious cocktails.  We sang everything from Garth Brooks, Allmond Brothers and Michael Jackson to Kelis and Sir Mix-A-Lot.  So much fun!

taking a look at the children's menu!  I haven't seen one of these since I was like... 5) 

That's a lot to promise!  

And a disco ball.  Perfect way to end a Saturday night out!  

I literally did not leave the flat the next day.  I would blame it on a hangover but I was just lazy.  I read, napped, read, repeat.  It was so nice and refreshing.  And as much as I enjoyed everyones company this girl needs some alone time (even in Scotland) and it was nice to get that while everyone went out for a few. 

friends as ants. 

As I know I have mentioned A LOT our trip a majority of the time was rainy and wet (as I know that is how it is Scotland) but the sun always came out when it really mattered.  Like our last day.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sky was the bluest I had seen in a while and the green was just so... green!  It was actually a little warmer and I had to peel off some layers. 

We had already planned to walk around Glasgow as a group but were so fortunate to have such a gorgeous day.  Our first stop was the Glasgow Cathedral.  As you can see parts of it are under construction but what a beautiful building.  Seriously, the architecture never ceased to amaze me!  

In a small park on the way to the necropolis 

We then headed up to the Glasgow Necropolis behind the cathedral for gorgeous views of the city and the cathedral from above.  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle hands

Lego hands. 

As goes with walking around we all started to get a little hungry so Simon took us on a little detour of the city to grab lunch at a nearby SM Supermarket.  

I think Santa was lost. 

We found a perfect shaded area to sit and inhale our lunches while we people watched and enjoyed the scenery.  

I thought this was incredibly sweet!

Our last stop of the day was the Kevingrove Art Gallery and Museum.  A beautiful building with quite the range of art on display.  While everyone walked around I grabbed my kindle and found a sunny spot to read (and nap) and get some more photos. 

We took another scenic route home through a park in the city.  Since it was such a beautiful day there were loads of people out and about.  Kids playing, couples reading snuggled together, hippies playing guitars, etc.  Great for people watching.  

Great end to a lovely 2 weeks in Ireland and Scotland!

Thank you so much to K, Barry and Simon for letting us take over your flat for a week and half!  What a great way to spend my frist trip across the big pond!  Can't wait to go back! 

Dublin Day 3

Our last day in Dublin was my favorite.  And it wasn't only because the sun and blue sky decided to show itself - although it did help.  It was our most productive touring day even if we were lagging a little because of a hangover or two.  The day before we made sure to make reservations to tour Dublin Castle so we went back there first.  Like Trinity College, pictures were not allowed inside here are some more photos of Dublin Castle grounds.

 I love the flags, cobble streets and of course GORGEOUS architecture.

En route to our second stop for the day we headed to St. Stephen's Green which is a public park in the center of the city.  One of my favorite things about Ireland (and Scotland) was how green everything was.  So even though I complain about all the rain throughout our trip it sure does make for beautiful scenery. 

One of the many entrances to the park.  Reminded me of Hansel & Gretel.  

Beautiful swans.  Did you know the Queen protects all swans (well Mute Swans to be more precise)?  Yeah, I didn't either. 

This one says "take one step closer and I will F your day up."  I believed him. 

This guy was feeding all the pigeons and swans.  Kinda cool and creepy at the same time.  Does this remind anyone else of the lady with all the pigeons in Central Park in Home Alone 2? 

This cool building greeted us as we left the park.  There's a tree growing on the side of it!

Stop #2 was St. Patrick's Cathedral.  It really is a beautiful church but so are a lot of the churches in Dublin - and even in the states in some cities.  While it was neat to see it in person I was not overly impressed.  I was however overly impressed with my sister Cameron's ability to translate a transcription from Spanish to English for us Americans.  I forget she minored in Spanish (do I have that right, Cam?).  

Park next to the Cathedral.  

Stop 3 was what made Day 3 in Dublin my favorite - Howth.  I was not much involved in the planning process leading up to our trip.  Cameron and Melissa took care of all that research - I have ADD and not really able to concentrate for long periods of time (like typing this blogpost is hard).  Howth is on the outskirts of the city but still considered to be Dublin.  It is a beautiful harbor town on a peninsula on Dublin's bay.  I heard of Howth from my mom's dear friend from HS, Elaine, who went there last year with her then boyfriend.  Her description of the city was exactly how I pictured Ireland to look like.  And I was not disappointed AT ALL.  Simply put: Breathtaking.

If you are ever in Dublin I HIGHLY recommend making the trip to Howth.  It's only an hour train ride from the city.  Full of B&Bs, restaurants, shopping and pubs.  If I ever head to that area again I would much rather stay in Howth than the city.

Lucky thing I wore my red Toms.  Helped identify who I was when I got separated from the rest of the group:)

Howth jumper. 

Howth sisters (and my awesomely bad side pony-tail).  

I love reflections.  I doubt everyone was excited to pause half-way up a hill for this photo opp. 

Imagine looking out your window with a view like that!!!  And check out their "fence" made from what looks like stone from the Middle Ages.   

After lunch we headed up a nice hill to climb and check out the cliffs.  Apparently there is a two hour hike around the cliffs.  Something I so very much wish we had more time for and one of the reasons I would love to return to Howth.  Isn't this gorgeous?  And look!  Blue sky!!!

What a great ending to a great first 3 days in a different country.  

Our last night in Dublin was a very calm one.  K and her Belgian went out to eat while the Brantleys stayed in and enjoyed Chinese.  Here are my last photos of Dublin. 

Millenium Spire

Walking back from ordering Chinese we didn't understand because it was still light out why everyone seemed so drunk.  It does not get properly dark there until 11 in the Summer!  That was very hard to adjust to.  

The next morning started out quite hectic.  Stay tuned for that story and Scotland...